High winds pose problems in fight against Southwest wildfires

[marmar]

(Reuters) - High winds posed a fresh challenge to firefighters battling wildfires on Sunday in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, where authorities warned that powerful gusts could help the blazes spread quickly.

The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for several states in the Southwest, where wind gusts could reach as much as 60 miles an hour, it said.

"This is the highest the winds have been since the fire started," said Terry Stemmler, a fire task force spokesman. "If we get through today, we're going to be looking good."

The Wallow Fire, which has roared through eastern Arizona and burned into western New Mexico, remains the largest conflagration in the region. It began on May 29. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/19/us-wildfires-southwest-idUSTRE75I2GF20110619

[Avalux]

1. It was 103 here today with 30-35 mph winds.

I'm in Texas, have lived here for over 20 years and have never seen the weather like this...

[jwirr]

2. One of the interesting things that was learned in the 1918 fires in

NE MN was that fires create their own winds.

[BarbaRosa]

3. Yup, been real windy in Silver City all day.

Can only imagine what it's like at the fire scene.